This post is provided by guest blogger, Stephanie DeFrancesco, graduate student University of St. Francis, MS Training and Development Program. 

Online learning has become very popular in the past few years, but is it what students prefer? In the article, Ong et al. (2024) discusses the seven reasons why students prefer in-person classes rather than online classes. The classroom gives students a sense of “togetherness,” and they find it easier to stay focused and motivated. Student also appreciate the sense of routine. Going to class and being able to ask questions and communicate in that moment. The article discusses how online learning seems to impede learning and social interaction. 

I do recommend this article, because I feel that we are always looking for the positives of e-learning. We assume many students prefer e-learning, but there is a great percentage that still prefer in-person classes. E-learning is becoming more available for classes, because they are easy to access from anywhere and can be done at any time, but some students still feel that attending class gives them a sense of belonging and interacting with instructors and students. I find that I prefer in-person learning for certain classes, because I feel I am able to stay focused and get more from the class. 

Ong, J. et al. (2024, November 16). 7 missing pieces: Why students prefer in-person over online classes. University Affairs. https://universityaffairs.ca/features/7-missing-pieces-why-students-prefer-in-person-over-online-classes-2/